Why You Should Consider A Caribbean Cruise In October

Recently, a client was concerned about taking a Caribbean Cruise in the month of October and sought my advice. October is the only month that he can take vacation and he was concerned that a hurricane might interrupt his plans. I told him that I understood his position, and that I once had the same concern until I had my first October Caribbean Cruise. In fact, I prefer an October cruise for a few reasons, which we will discuss later.

Hurricane season in the North Atlantic Basin (the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea) is officially from June 1 to November 30. These dates are not carved in stone, and hurricanes have occurred outside of these dates. However, over 96% of tropical activity occurred during these dates, with the majority of Hurricanes occurring during August and September. During 2007, Hurricanes Dean, Felix and Karen, occurred during the months of August and September. Clearly, the possibility of a Hurricane in October is a wild card.

In fact, I took my first October cruise after 9-11. It was amazing. The children were in school, the teenagers were in college, and the adults had the cruise ship to themselves. I was on the “fun ship” having a time of my life. My journey started in Miami, with stops in the Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios and Cozumel. I could still remember the clear days and gorgeous nights, participating in activities such as Fiesta Seminars, Body Art, Art Auction, Afternoon Tea and Music, Golf, Bingo, Dancing and a Late Night Show. These all added to my divine cruise experience. Cruises, unlike many other vacation options, provide twenty-four hours world class buffets with European-style cafés, sushi bars and 24-hour pizzeria. You just can’t miss the extravagant midnight buffets. Hey, what more can a guy want?

Additionally, cruise prices in October are much lower than most times of the year. For example, a 7 Day Carnival Cruise to the Western Caribbean in July 2008 starts at $949 per person. However, the same itinerary in October 2008 starts at $579.00, an immediate savings of approximately $370.00 per person. However, if you are still concerned about the possibility of an October Hurricane interrupting your plan, I would recommend a Vacation Protection Plan (VPP) to mitigate against the wild card risk. VPPs cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and contents, and accidents. More importantly, it is unlikely that you will be at Sea and have to face a hurricane. Cruise Ships cost millions of dollars and it would be hard to fathom a cruise lines placing its assets at risk. If you are at sea and a storm develops the cruise line will change the itinerary to a safer port of call.

Yes, there is a risk with an October cruise, but that risk is no greater than a cruise from June to September. An October cruise will cost you less, the islands will have fewer tourists giving you the best deals, and you can have a great vacation. October cruises are just about the same as anytime of the year. Quite frankly, I love October cruises and I think you will too.

© 2008 by Theo Alleyne. All Rights Reserved.